Business plan about cambata aviation

Business Plan

Executive Summary:

Cambata Aviation Private Limited is a private sector leading ground handling agency in India. Currently CAPL handles more than 30 international passenger airlines, more than 10 cargo airlines and number of non-scheduled airlines operations across India. Company management would like to expand the operations of the company in coming two-three years to become pioneer in the ground handling industry. In order to succeed and become ground handling giant we need to takeover domestic ground handling market which is growing very rapidly and also attract new international, private and non-scheduled airlines towards our company. We also need to acquire new equipments to support our operations and increase productivity.

Following plan will give an idea about how company is going to achieve the said objective. Cambata Aviation’s main strategy is to emphasize the quality of its professional services.

Since CAPL is the existing and well known ground handling agency we have a backup of our expert management team that is always looks after the development of the company. Based on the size of our market, our sales projection for the next year will be $4,250,000.

In order to acquire new equipments, complete all the legal formalities and for marketing we will need around $3,486,000 at start up. Company chairman invested $600,000 and rest we will borrow from bank as a long term liability.

Introduction:-

Cambata Aviation Private Limited (CAPL) started offering Ground Handling services in 1967 at Mumbai International airport. British Airways (formerly known as British Overseas Airways Corporation) was the first customer airline company of CAPL. In earlier days Cambata use to provide only ‘Meet and Assist’ services to certain airlines that includes wheelchair assistance, unaccompanied minors assistance, flight crew clearance, CIP handling. Because certain airlines provide such meet and greet services to their premium customers. Later CAPL started providing other functions like Check in, Baggage Tracer, Cargo acceptance and unitization, Flight Dispatch, Weight & Balance, Ramp, Cabin Appearance, and Clearance of Company Stores & Mail.

Cambata Aviation is the member of the International Air Transport Association Ground Handling Council (IATA-IGHC) and approved ground handling company. At present CAPL is the only independent and private ground handling agency in India with IATA-JAR-OPS Service Level Agreement. Currently Cambata handles more than 30 international airline operations across India.

The objective of CAPL is to provide highest standard of services to all the international customer airlines and to attract new airlines towards company. The services provided at CAPL are world class keeping in mind the safety and security in operation is the aim, which is the base of aviation industry.

This business plan is about the expansion of the company to start ground handling activities for domestic airlines, private airlines and non-scheduled airlines as well as to provide new and innovative value added services required by the international customer airlines and purchase of new own equipments like Push back tractors, belt loaders, cargo dollies and loaders, Ground Power Units, Passenger stairs, baggage carts, wheelchair lifts and Ambulift etc. to become pioneer in the ground handling services in India. The main purpose behind this expansion is to capture whole domestic market. Since we have certain international airlines that operate twice or thrice a week so we can utilise our workforce for domestic operations as well. Day by day domestic airline market is roaring up, in the year 2006-07 there were 3 new airlines that started their operations.

The Market Situation

Currently Aviation industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, India is no exception. Earlier times at airport, airline companies used to employ their own employees but now most of the airlines ask the ground handling agencies to look after their all flight movements. This is the cost-effective basis for airline companies. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) is India’s and South Asia’s largest and most important hub, handling more than 25million passengers and 533,593 tonnes of cargo. Between April 2006 and February 2007, CSIA handled 180,000 landings and take-offs and over 20 million passengers with around 6.73 million international passengers and around 13.65 million domestic passengers. As compared to the year 2005-06 passengers’ growth rose to 21.28%. From above statistics we can figure out that domestic sector of the Indian aviation is also coming up rapidly. Most famous domestic airlines are Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Spice Jet, Go Air and Indigo. In case of domestic airlines there are only two ground handling agencies.

At present in Mumbai there are 5 ground handling agencies namely National Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL), Cambata Aviation, Air works India, National Aviation Services (NAS) and Globe Ground India. Among all Cambata’s services is one of the best. This can be proved by the number of international airlines customers Cambata has. At Mumbai Airport Cambata handles more than 15 international passenger airlines, more than 6 cargo airlines and quite a few non-scheduled airline movements as well. Now Cambata will eye on the new entrants at Mumbai airport by introducing some new services along with ground handling. We can say that, at the time Cambata has a very good position in the ground handling market in India. It can be seen by following figures:

Mission And Objectives:

Every company has a vision and mission, basically mission means an exercise where all the employees of the company follows an organisational culture to work together to work towards the desired results. But I think vision is more important because it helps the company to determine the future. It serves as concrete foundation to the company.

Cambata Aviation will be the most preferred Ground Handling agency in India. It will be the first choice handling agency for the international and domestic carriers, which other ground handling agencies will seek to match.

Cambata Aviation will achieve this pre-eminent position by offering a high quality of service and safe, reliable and efficient operations on behalf of the airline company.

Cambata will achieve these objectives at the same time ensuring consistent profitability, creating goodwill, satisfy employees and important of all satisfying customer airlines.

Objectives:

1) To introduce ground handling for domestic, private, cargo and non-scheduled airlines in coming two years.

2) Acquire new equipments to provide 100% own ground handling support at the airport.

3) Provide better and innovative services to our international customer airlines.

Keys To Success:

1) Thorough and stringent induction training for the employees to help them understand the responsibilities towards daily activities keeping safety and security as the motto.

2) Improving established practises of the company.

3) Maintain good relations with the customer airlines by providing best services all the time.

Company Summary:

As mentioned above Cambata Aviation is one of the oldest ground handling agency in India. It started in 1967 at Mumbai. Later operations of the company spreads across India, in 1972 we started our operations in Delhi and then Chennai, Ahmadabad, and Pune. CAPL looks after different operations such as passenger handling services like check-in, baggage handling, aircraft cleaning, security, ramp handling, flight despatch operations, weight and balance etc. Further company is divided into five departments namely accounts and marketing, Personnel, Passenger handling services and Human resources, cargo and ramp operations department. Accounts and marketing department looks after company’s income and expenditure, bills receivables, bills payables, salaries of staff etc. and marketing of our services among new entrants. This department plays an important role in growth of company by controlling costs and increasing revenues.

Start Up Expenses:

Since our company is well established company we don’t require raising money to cover certain expenses but as we have to complete certain formalities we need some capital. Following chart will give the description of Start up Expenses.

Marketing Plan:

Cambata Aviation is well established company but now we have to expand our business to provide ground handling facilities to domestic sector airlines, private airlines in coming two-three years. Also to expand the current functions we have to acquire new equipments. We need to use different strategies to expand our business to operate on domestic sector. Important thing is we have to obtain permission from Airports Authority of India and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to act as an authorized ground handling agent.

Currently there are only two ground handling agencies operating at domestic terminal. Our agency is the oldest one so introducing ground services at domestic terminal would be easy. As like international operations we can provide service to domestic giants. Our target customers would be emerging airlines, existing small airlines that lacks in professional skilled workforce, and new entrants in the international and domestic markets. Basically new airlines lack in skilled workforce, equipments and they have to invest lot of money in training of employees and acquiring new equipments. Here we can use our goodwill and offer ground handling services to them. We have trained workforce with proper experience and knowledge in this sector. We feel that our well trained employees will generate more goodwill by providing world class services with well maintained equipments.

Market Segmentation:

1) Unsatisfied Airlines:

We hope to obtain positive response from the airlines like commercial, cargo airlines that are dissatisfied with their current ground handling agency.

2) New Entrants:

We can target new airlines that just started their operations.

3) Non-scheduled , Private Airlines:

We can target non-scheduled aircrafts and most importantly private airlines. It will be very easy for them to hire the services for particular time and number of private airlines is on rise which can provide us a good advantage.

Market Segmentation

Market Needs:

Due to intense competition many airlines started reducing the fare prices and cutting off other expenses. By handing over the airline operations to ground handling agencies they can cut off some of their expenses on employees. There are several airlines flying to Mumbai that are not satisfied with either the quality of the service or the poorly maintained equipments provided by their ground handling agency. Flights which we handle with our well trained workforce at all levels and well maintained equipments will confirm their dissatisfaction with our competition and generate new business for us.

Almost all the airlines whether international or national require high quality of professional services with well maintained equipments. Because most of the airlines are of turnaround type they depart back within 2-3 hours after the arrival, in that short time ground staff has to work very hard because lots of activities needs to be carried out right from aircraft cleaning, catering, refuelling, baggage loading and unloading etc. Only efficient workers can do these activities fast. Cambata Aviation is well known for its efficient and world class services and because of that it handles more than 15 international airlines operations at Mumbai. We hope this awareness will generate goodwill for us and generate better opportunities as well.

In short, demand for ground handling services agencies is increasing. So we should concentrate on our marketing activities, professional services and try to grab the new contracts.

Market Trends And Market Growth:

The cut throat competition among all the airlines resulted in the global fare cuts. Fare cuts are affecting airline company’s revenues. It can be noticed that other expenses related to food and in flight service are decreased but ground handling expenses are steady. In order to cut off cost and raise revenue most of the airlines started outsourcing the major operations to the ground handling agencies. In short to cut off expenses such as training, acquisition of equipments, salaries of the staff at airport; airline companies outsource the operations of airline to ground handling agency which helps to create immense demand for the ground handling agencies. Also most of the airlines know that efficient ground handling helps to improve aircrafts productivity and generate more revenues.

Due to such cost cutting measures adopted by most of the airlines, ground handling providers market is growing day by day. New global ground handling agencies are trying to start their business in India. In earlier days there were only 3-4 ground handling agencies, and now number increased to around 10.

Major Competitors:

1) National Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL):

We can consider NACIL as our main competitor, being a government owned company it gets lot of benefits. Although their quality of service is not good enough still they handle around 10 international airlines and 2 domestic airlines. This is mainly because it’s a government owned company. NACIL has all owned equipments so they gain an upper hand as compared to other agencies in the market segment.

2) National Aviation Services (NAS):

NAS has recently started their operations at Mumbai Airport. NAS has its base in Kuwait. Currently they are handling 3 international airlines and looking forward to start ground handling at domestic airport too.

3) Air Works India Limited:

Air Works India is also an old ground handling agency. They mostly look after operations of Private Charter flights, they are specialised in providing services to private aircrafts. They also have their own helicopter services.

Strategy And Implementation Summary:

In order to gain good position in the aviation industry CAPL always try and use new strategies. CAPL always keep their staff updated with the latest technology and equipment knowledge. Cambata is well known ground handling agency in India, because of its professional and timely services.

Competitive Advantages:

1) Professional Workforce:

We always kept our standards at high level; our staffs undergo rigorous training after every 8 months. CAPL training modules aimed to ensure world class services and achieve the set safety and security standards in all our operations such as Passenger services, ramp handling, load control, flight operations, mishandled baggage, aircraft cabin cleaning, cargo documentation. This helps our company to grow and reach soaring heights.

2) Overall Handling Of An Aircraft Movements:

Though we don’t have all owned equipments we provide all the services to an aircraft from the moment aircraft touches down till airborne. Currently we have four push-back tractors, four ground power units, and important of all we have our own hanger which we can rent out in case if any aircraft needs to carry out maintenance activity.

3) Flight Report Control System (FRCS):

Ours is the only ground handling agency that developed FRCS. It was developed with an aim to keep high level of productivity, vigilance and service standards. FRCS helps both the airline company and our management to keep an eye on the level of service. FRCS has to be filled up and acknowledged by customer airline duty manager. Management can use these flight reports in order to raise the standards of the company.

4) Safety And Security Manuals:

Cambata has developed its own security manuals which we use for our security training sessions. Our security manual has been approved by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), India. This enables to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents causing personal injuries and aircraft ground damage.

SWOT Analysis:

SWOT analysis means analysis of our company’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. SWOT analysis helps to uncover the opportunities which we are looking for. And helps us to understand the weaknesses by which we can eliminate threats. Strengths and Weaknesses are the internal factors and opportunities and threats can be considered as external factors. It is a useful tool which can be use to analyse the position of the company in the market. In case of our company, following is the SWOT analysis of Cambata Aviation.

Strengths:

1) Strong Brand and Reputation: Cambata Aviation was established in 1967 in Mumbai. It is well known ground handling agency in India with more than 30 customer airlines across India.

2) Certification: Cambata Aviation is the only independent and private ground handling agency in India with IATA-JAR-OPS Service Level Agreement. It is a member of IATA Ground Handling Council (IATA-IGHC) and also an approved ground handling agency.

3) Good Relations: After serving the international giants like British Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Alitalia, Air France etc we have very good relations with international airlines and domestic operators as well like Jet Airways for whom we look after ramp activities.

4) Professional Management And Employees:

We have a team of professional experts in the aviation industry. Also we provide overall training to our employees in order to keep them updated with latest technological knowledge.

5)Location:

We enjoy the benefit of our location as we have our base in Mumbai the economic capital of India. Being an economic capital people from different parts of the world visit Mumbai resulting in more international flight movements in Mumbai and we can use our professional expertise to get the contract for ground handling of most of the airlines.

Weaknesses:

1) Absence Of International Branch:

We are pioneer in the ground handling services in India. But we are missing the opportunities which are generating at the ‘hubs’ across the world.

2) Government Restrictions:

Being a private company we don’t have freedom in certain areas. We have to obtain proper permission from government authorities in order to start the new activities at different airports.

3) Insufficient Equipments:

We lack in ownership of some equipments, which we need to hire from other ground handlers.

Opportunities:

1) Developing Market:

Aviation industry is growing at very fast pace. Lots of new airlines are coming into the market. We can grab the opportunities by approaching new entrants in the Indian skies.

2) New Market Segment:

In India domestic aviation and private airlines activities are on rise. Domestic market is also growing very fast; new airlines are setting up their operations. We can expand our operations or services to become a giant in ground handling in both international and domestic airlines market. Airlines like Jet Airways and Kingfisher also looking forward to start international services if we provide ground handling at domestic level then obviously we can operate as their ground handling agent for international operations.

3) Ineffective Competitor:

We can attract other airlines that are not happy with their ground handling agent, because of poor services.

Threats:

1) New Competitor:

National Aviation Services (NAS) Kuwait based ground handling giant has entered in the Indian market. Because of its global presence airlines may attract towards NAS. NAS operates as a ground handling agent for some of the airlines in Kuwait.

2) Price Wars:

After the economic downturn many airlines are discontinuing their services to cut the costs. Some of the competitors like National Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL) a government owned agency have cut the cost to attract other airlines. This could be a possible threat.

3) New Government Policy:

As per new government policy only three ground handling agencies can operate at Mumbai airport. Out of that one is government owned NACIL and other two are undecided. In such circumstances we can lose our separate entity and forced to merge with other agency.

Project Plan:

We will need period of two years to expand the operations. Also we are planning to purchase new equipments. We can assume that after two years we can increase our profits by providing ground handling services to most of the airlines. As our main objective is to capture domestic airlines ground handling market and increase our market share in international airline ground handling market we will work hard in coming two years and grab the market share. We are expecting to achieve the said mission by proper vision in next two years. We have to invest more in our marketing and human resources for better and fast results.

(Figure showing various activities carried out by Ground Handling Agency)

Sales Forecast:

Sales forecast shows our estimated ground and ramp handling, equipments usage, hangar usage revenue. We have a very good relationship with airline companies and many of them have expressed their interest in hiring our services.

Management Summary:

A strong management team is the heart of any business. Cambata is no exception; we have a very strong management team with wide experience in aviation industry, working to raise the standards of our company.

Our management policy is to provide better environment to our staff wherein they can be challenged and stimulated to provide effective and better solutions that meet our customer airlines needs.

Promoters And Directors:

Late Mr. Kershi S. Cambata was the founder of Cambata Aviation. He was holding a Private pilot license and was ex-Royal Force personnel. He was also a pioneer in Aerial crop spraying business in India.

Mr. Nelson K. Cambata- He is a trained pilot holding private pilot’s license. He acts as a Chairman and Managing Director of the company. He has specialised experience relating to all aspects of ground handling and management.

Mr. Sarosh J. Contractor- Mr. Contractor is an Executive Director for Operations. He is a finance graduate holding 36 years of experience in Banking, Airline and ground handling industry. He is responsible for the day to day affairs of India operations.

Mr. Burjor N. Nicholson- Mr. Nicholson is also an Executive Director for Finance. He has completed graduation in accounts and finance field and holds 38 years of experience in aviation industry.

Above mentioned management team is at highest tier. Further tier consists of Airport Manager, Personnel Manager, and Departmental Managers or head that controls day to day operations at airport. This entire team is highly experienced and qualified in the aviation industry.

Management Hierarchy:

Personnel Plan:

As Cambata is established company currently we have 3 personnel’s at Director’s level. Under them we have 5 Airport’s manager. But in future we have to increase the number in order to divide the work properly.

Our projected Personnel Plan is as follows:

Company’s success depends upon its employees. Now we want to expand our company so we will need more employees. Having professionals at particular place will help the company to form a solid foundation. Following data summarizes increase in our human resources.

Year wise increase in Human Resources (Projected)

Financial Analysis:

Finance department of the company acts as a watchdog over company expenditure. It makes sure that all our operational activities are funded. It may be possible for a company to fund all the activities from operations, but certain times company may need to turn to the capital market for finance. Company has certain outside sources of money like current debt, bonds, loans etc. For all these activities we need to raise around $5 million in loans.

As mentioned above we have to expand our services and also to acquire new equipments which will require huge sums of money. To begin with we have to raise money through loans and some long term investments. There are certain assumptions on which we have to rely on.

General Assumption:

Break Even Analysis And Costs:

Break Even Analysis is calculated where total revenue received by a company is equals with the total cost associated with sales. Our fixed cost consists of rental for our hangar to Airports Authority of India, equipments routine inspection and maintenance cost, monthly fuel cost.

In order to provide better service we should have our owned equipments. There are number of equipments available in the market and behind one movement of an aircraft we require almost all equipments such as tow-bars, push-back tractors, unit load device, ground power unit, baggage loader, cargo dollies, forklifts etc. These equipments are very diverse in varieties and expensive. Cambata handles more than 5 airlines at peak time so we require more equipment. It can be seen that we have to invest huge amount of money in equipments.

Other costs include training activities conducted by our company. We provide training to our employees after every 8 months with updated topics. In order to get better productivity we have to invest some amount in training and development of employees.

Revenue:

Following table gives an idea about Revenue generated from Ground handling of single aircraft, equipments rental and hangar rental:

As mentioned in the above chart, we provide ground handling services to more than 18 airlines; out of those some airlines operate twice a day daily, some operates just thrice a week. Cambata operates around 1200 arrivals and departures a year with the help of these equipments generating millions of revenue. There are some other revenue sources such as equipment rent and hangar rent. Many a times other ground handling agencies require some of the equipments so they can hire it from us at above mentioned price same in the case of our hangar.